Can varicose veins be detected by ultrasound B?

Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Ultrasound is currently the main examination method for varicose veins. It is non-invasive, safe, and affordable, making it one of the standard methods for assessing varicose veins. Besides viewing the superficial veins, it also allows visualization of the deformed deep veins within the muscles, enabling a basic assessment of the causes of varicose veins. Ultrasound now plays a crucial role in the treatment of varicose veins. Many new treatment methods, such as blood flow modulation techniques like wrist flexing, require high precision in ultrasound use. It is essential to locate the reflux points using ultrasound, and then specifically target these points for ligation.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Symptoms of varicocele in the right spermatic cord

If it is a mild varicocele, most patients have no discomfort symptoms and it is not easily detected. If the varicocele reaches a moderate or even severe level, the patient may experience a sensation of dragging pain in the right testicle and a lax scrotum, especially after long periods of sitting, standing, or intense exercise. The pain and dragging sensation in the testicle will become more pronounced. However, the symptoms will gradually ease after lying down and resting. If varicocele persists for a long time, it can lead to a decline in sperm quality, causing male infertility, and can even result in testicular atrophy. If the above symptoms are present, it is necessary to promptly go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination to determine the diameter of the spermatic vein. A routine semen analysis may be necessary if there is a decline in semen quality. If needed, surgery may be required for treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Why does varicose veins sometimes feel like needle pricks?

In cases of varicose veins, the blood flow in the varicose veins is relatively slow. This blood, having undergone gas exchange, contains less oxygen and more carbon dioxide. If such blood remains in a local area for an extended period, it can potentially stimulate the nerves to some extent. Sometimes, including in varicose veins, if the blood flow pressure within these veins increases, it can also stimulate the nerves in the outer membrane of the blood vessels, leading to abnormal nerve discharges. Such incidents can manifest as brief, pin-like pain, not particularly intense, resembling the sensation of a needle prick. This condition is quite common and generally holds no special significance.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Causes of varicocele

There are several causes of varicocele, including congenital factors and secondary causes. Congenital causes are mainly seen in cases of incomplete development of venous valves, while secondary causes may result from prolonged sitting, standing, or intense exercise over time. Some patients develop varicocele due to kidney tumors or blood clots in renal veins, which obstruct the blood flow returning through the spermatic vein. Patients with severe varicocele may experience a sensation of heaviness and pain in the testicles. In treating varicocele, it is also important to understand the reasons behind it. If it is caused by a tumor, active treatment of the tumor is necessary.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What are the symptoms of varicocele?

If the patient has mild varicocele, they often have no symptoms and it is not easily detected; in such cases, no special treatment is needed. However, with moderate or severe varicocele, the patient may experience a dragging pain in the testicles, especially after intense physical activity, prolonged sitting, or standing, which makes the pain more pronounced. During a physical examination, twisted, worm-like clusters of veins can be felt within the scrotum. Patients with varicocele should undergo further routine semen analysis to assess if the semen quality is affected. If sperm quality is impacted, it could lead to a decline in male fertility, and surgical treatment should be considered when necessary.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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Can varicocele heal itself?

Varicocele generally cannot be cured, and most patients with varicocele do not have any symptoms and only discover their condition during physical examinations. Such patients can temporarily be under observation, but they should regularly have their varicocele rechecked and also have their semen quality tested. If there are abnormalities in semen quality, timely surgical treatment is necessary. Clinically, a small number of varicocele patients exhibit significant symptoms, typically presenting as discomfort and pain on the affected side of the scrotum, especially after long periods of walking or standing, with pain becoming more pronounced. In such cases, prompt surgical intervention is generally necessary, and surgery can also improve the quality of the patient's semen.